When I was a Freshman in college, I saw a lot of advertisements lining the school walls about studying abroad. The sign that stuck out to me the most said: Traveling is an investment, not an expense.

I knew that I wouldn’t be able to pay for the trip upfront. I knew I would have to take out a loan. The last thing that I did not want to do was not go on an experience of a life time because I couldn’t pay for it all in one payment. That’s when I decided to go straight to the Study Abroad Office to fill out an application…and that was the best decision of.my.life.

Studying abroad opened so many doors for me. Not only professionally, but the personal growth that takes place during and after studying abroad has a huge impact on your outlook on life, culture, and your comfort-ability. Your views on the world or your political beliefs can be swayed when experiencing an environment outside of your hometown and normal settings. In the professional world, studying abroad is a tremendous aspect of your resume, as it shows you did something different, explored outside of your home country, met people of different ethnicities and cultural backgrounds, made connections within your respective school, and engulfed yourself in a different nation’s history and business ethics.

I was told when you study abroad, you become addicted to traveling…and that is NO lie! I had studied abroad in the mesmerizing city of Prague, Czech Republic. During my time abroad, I also visited Budapest, Amsterdam, and Rome. We took a business trip each week and viewed how certain companies abroad operate their day to day business. We also visited unique and historic landmarks all around Prague! Studying abroad allows you to mix fun, exploration, and learning all in one setting.

Since studying abroad, I have visited many states and countries. Every trip I go on I can feel myself lingering to want to learn more about our world’s history at museums and landmarks, hike and camp at parks to take in the beauty that surrounds us, and make new friends and connections around the globe.

If I had to go back in time and choose to study abroad again, I would! I made mistakes while I was there too, but I learned from them tremendously. I was terrified of the language barriers and culture shock that sometimes accompanies studying abroad, but that was one of my favorite parts! I figured out who I was after returning and promised to myself that I would push myself to be a better version of myself every day.

Studying abroad launched my passion. It opened doors in my professional world. It created friendships across the globe. It made me learn. I experienced my first legal drink. I missed my flight back and had to buy a brand-new ticket. I tried new food. It was my first time leaving the country. It made my college experience.

I would recommend studying abroad it anyone. Don’t let finances hold you back…because traveling is an investment, not an expense.

Thank you for reading!

As always, feel free to reach out with any questions 😊